The Farmhouse Tap and Grill

I rarely, if ever, blog about desserts. While I do like something sweet now and again I find that very few desserts impress me. Most are delicious and are a nice way to end a meal, but nothing that I would consider memorable. So, I was pleasantly surprised when our waiter placed an apple tart with homemade carmel ice cream in front of us. Wow, is the only way to describe it.

Terry and I had just spent a lovely day tooling around the town of Burlington, VT. Burlington is a quaint little college town with enough hippies to rival that of Santa Barbara and San Diego. After all that looking around we were in need of food and the smells coming from The Farmhouse let us know that eating there would be a treat. After our satisfying meal we were full, but in the mood to look over the dessert menu. We looked it over for a few moments and both of us thought the apple tart looked interesting, so we ordered it. I am so glad we did. The tart was warm and cooked perfectly, but the carmel ice cream was truly out of this world. It wrapped our taste buds in a blanket of goodness which I will never forget. It was, to say the least, a perfect end to a wonderful day.

The Farmhouse Tap and Grill

A Single Pebble

Who would have thought that little old Burlington, Vermont would be home to excellent Chinese cuisine. I certainly didn't, but while waiting for our plane to NYC Terry remembered seeing a "Best Thing I Ever Ate" show on a place called A Single Pebble located on a side street off the center of town. Alton Brown had a meal he simply thought was one of the best meals he had ever had in his life. Because of this, we went on a search to see how good the dish really was.

We ordered the mock eel which is made up of braised shiitake mushrooms in a ginger sauce. When the dish first arrived at the table I was skeptical that something so horrific looking would actually taste good. They do say that you do eat with your eyes. This, however, does not apply to the mock eel. Once you have that first bite there is no need for any of your other senses. Your sense of taste is all that matters. Initially there is a little bit of a crunch followed by a soft and warm meatiness. The flavors explode in your mouth ranging from slightly savory to a touch of sweetness. The entire experience is enough to make you seriously give thought to ordering another plate. I can honestly say that I will return to Burlington specifically for that meal. It was phenomenal!

A Single Pebble

Gene's

When in Rome..

Or when in Port Henry, do as the locals do. Have a Michigan. What is a Michigan? Well, simply put, it is a steamed hotdog and bun with a chili like meat sauce. But it really isn't like chili. Sweet and sour flavors come to mind, with a fine meat texture. Top it off with some chopped raw white onion, and this is one of those sinfully bad treats we all enjoy!

Can't wait to try another!